Ab spinner abdominal exerciser

ABSTRACT

An exercise device having a seat, a spine, a hoop, a connector, and preferably at least one flexible rod. The spine extends upward from the rear edge of the seat, and the hoop is connected to the spine by way of a connector at a circumferential portion of the hoop. The connector permits the hoop to rotate or pivot relative to the spine. At least one flexible rod extends outward from the hoop proximate the connector and is attached to a tensioning mechanism via a resistance cable at a second end of the flexible rod. The tensioning mechanism provides a tensile force in the resistance cable, permitting the flexible rod to provide a force to oppose the pivoting of the hoop. By sitting on the seat, enclosed by the hoop, and grasping the hoop with both hands, a person may perform a number of exercises, including an oblique twist, an abdominal crunch, a radial abdominal crunch, and an infinity abdominal crunch.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 60/814,996 filed Jun. 20, 2006 for Ab SpinnerAbdominal Exerciser, which application is incorporated here by thisreference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to devices for aiding exercise of the abdominalmuscles of a user.

BACKGROUND ART

In today's fitness conscious society, people are often interested inexercising their abdominal muscles. Currently, there are many ways thiscan be performed, some requiring equipment and some requiring theresistance of the exerciser's own body. Popular abdominal exercisesinclude the sit-up, the crunch, reverse crunch, stability ball pull-ins,and the bicycle abdominal exercise. However, such exercises are oftendifficult to do with proper form. Additionally, these exercises aregenerally performed on the floor or by using complex gym equipment. Assuch the exercises can be uncomfortable or inconvenient for somepersons. Furthermore, many existing devices for the abdominal musclesfocus on a single primary exercise, such as the crunch.

Therefore, there exists a need for an exercise device upon which aperson can perform multiple abdominal exercises and to further ensurethe exercises are done with the proper form. There exists a further needfor an exercise device to allow the user to perform abdominal exercisesoff of the floor, in a comfortable position, and without the need forcomplex gym equipment.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

The invention is directed to an exercise device having a seat, a spine,a hoop, a connector, and preferably at least one flexible rod. The spineextends upward from the rear edge of the seat, and the length of thespine may be adjustable. The hoop is connected to the spine by way of aconnector, such as a dual-axis joint, at a circumferential portion ofthe hoop. The connector permits the hoop to rotate or pivot relative tothe spine. The flexible rod extends outward from the hoop proximate theconnector and is attached to a tensioning mechanism via a resistancecable at a second end of the flexible rod. The tensioning mechanismprovides a tensile force in the resistance cable, permitting theflexible rod to provide a force to oppose the pivoting of the hoop.

By sitting on the seat, enclosed by the hoop, and grasping the hoop withboth hands, a person may perform a number of exercises, including anoblique twist, an abdominal crunch, a radial abdominal crunch, and aninfinity abdominal crunch. The exercise device helps to ensure properform and may provide resistance to the person's motions in order toprovide a more strenuous exercise of the person's abdominal muscles.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of an exercisedevice of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of an embodiment of an exercise deviceof the invention.

FIG. 3 is a side plan view of an embodiment of an exercise device of theinvention.

FIG. 4 is a front plan view of an embodiment of an exercise device ofthe invention.

FIG. 5 is a rear plan view of an embodiment of an exercise device of theinvention.

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of an embodiment of an exercise device of theinvention.

FIG. 7 is a view of an embodiment of an ab spinner in a folded position.

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of an exercisedevice of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a side plan view of a user utilizing an embodiment of anexercise device of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a side plan view of a user utilizing an embodiment of anexercise device of the invention.

FIGS. 11A-11C are front plan views of a user utilizing an embodiment ofan exercise device of the invention.

FIGS. 12A-B are top plan views of a user utilizing an embodiment of anexercise device of the invention.

FIG. 13 is a side plan view of a user utilizing an embodiment of anexercise device of the invention.

FIG. 14 is a front plan view of a user utilizing an embodiment of anexercise device of the invention.

FIG. 15 is a front plan view of a user utilizing an embodiment of anexercise device of the invention.

FIG. 16 is a front plan view of a user utilizing an embodiment of anexercise device of the invention.

FIG. 17 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of an exercisedevice of the invention.

FIG. 18 is a rear perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a side plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 17.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appendeddrawings is intended as a description of presently-preferred embodimentsof the invention and is not intended to represent the only forms inwhich the present invention may be constructed or utilized. Thedescription sets forth the functions and the sequence of steps forconstructing and operating the invention in connection with theillustrated embodiments. However, it is to be understood that the sameor equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by differentembodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spiritand scope of the invention.

Referring to the figures, the invention is directed to an exercisedevice 10 having a seat 12, an upright support or spine 14, a hoop 16, aconnector 18, and preferably at least one flexible rod 20.

The seat 12 may further have legs 22 to support the seat 12 off of afloor or other support surface. The seat has a front edge and a rearedge, where preferably the seat 12 is tilted downward toward the rearedge of the seat 12 at an angle of about twelve degrees. In someembodiments, at least one of the legs may jut from the front edge of theseat in a forward direction, thereby providing additional stability forthe exercise device 10.

The spine 14 extends upward from the rear edge of the seat 12, and thespine 14 may further be an extension of one of the legs 22. The spine 14may be relatively straight, or it might be bent concavely or convexly.Preferably, the spine 14 is slightly convex, bending in toward the seatat the lower end of the spine 14 and away from the seat at its upperend.

In some embodiments, the length of the spine 14 is adjustable. In someversions of the invention, this adjustment may be accomplished by atelescoping feature, where a portion of the spine 14 is extendablewithin another portion of the spine 14 or within an extension of one ofthe legs 22.

The spine 14 may also be bendable, flexible, or elastically deformableabout an axis perpendicular to its major axis. An example of thisflexion is depicted in FIG. 10. Preferably, though, the spine 14 isrigid and the motion of the hoop 16 is transmitted to a connector 18between the hoop 16 and the spine 14, as further defined below.

The hoop 16 is connected to the spine 14. In its neutral position, whereno external forces are being applied to the hoop other than gravity, thehoop is generally parallel to the floor or support surface. The hoop 16preferably has a diameter of between about twenty-four inches andthirty-four inches, and more preferably has a diameter of abouttwenty-eight inches. This range of diameters has been found to beparticularly beneficial for the performance of the exercises describedbelow. Preferably, the hoop 16 has a generally circular cross-section,although additional cross-sections may be utilized. In some versions,the hoop 16 may resemble a bicycle hoop or a plastic toy hoop commonlyknown as a hula hoop.

The connector 18 is between the hoop 16 and the spine 14 at acircumferential portion of the hoop 16, and it may be a multidirectionalhinge. The connector 18 permits the hoop 16 to rotate or pivot relativeto the spine 14 in a direction oblique to the plane of the floor orsupport surface. For example, refer to FIG. 10 and FIGS. 13-16. In someembodiments, the connector 18 may be resistive such that there isopposition to the rotation or pivoting, and this resistance may becontinuously adjustable between a relatively low level of resistance anda relatively high level of resistance.

In a version of the invention, the connector 18 also permits the hoop 16to slide through the connector 18, allowing the hoop 16 to spin about anaxis through the center of the hoop 16. An example of this is shown inFIG. 9, FIGS. 11A through 11C, and FIGS. 12A through 12B. Preferably,though, this relative motion is accomplished instead by way of a slidermechanism 24 as described below.

The connector 18 preferably comprises a dual-axis joint such as shown inFIGS. 17-19. The dual-axis joint permits the hoop 16 to pivot relativeto the spine 14 in a first direction oblique to a plane of the supportsurface (such as shown in FIG. 13) as well as a second direction obliqueto a plane of the support surface. For the preferred range of motion ofthe hoop, the first direction and the second direction are orthogonal,the first direction having an axis parallel to the support surface andthe second direction having an axis that is generally vertical.

In some embodiments, the connector 18 may be resistive such that thereis opposition to the pivoting. In further embodiments, the connector 18may be continuously adjustable between a relatively low level ofresistance and a relatively high level of resistance, permitting theuser to adjust the difficulty level of performing an exercise.

The resistive force in the connector 18 may be created by, for example,a spring or frictional device. Preferably, the resistive force isprovided by one or more bows or flexible rods 20. Each flexible rod 20extends outward from the hoop 16, preferably proximate the connector 18,and each flexible rod 20 is attached to a tensioning mechanism 26 via aresistance cable 28. The tensioning mechanism 26 provides a tensileforce in each resistance cable 28, typically causing each flexible rod20 to flex or bow such that the flexible rod 20 takes on an arc shape.In such embodiments, the tensile force provided by the tensioningmechanism 26 may be adjustable, and preferably is continuouslyadjustable between a relatively low level of resistance and a relativelyhigh level of resistance to movement of the hoop 16.

In some versions of the invention, the exercise device 10 also includesa slider mechanism 24 on the hoop 16. The slider mechanism 24 permitsthe user to pivot their upper body about an axis through the center ofthe hoop 16. Preferably, the slider mechanism 24 has a first portion 30and a second portion 32, where the first portion 30 and the secondportion 32 are each shaped and dimensioned to slide around at least aportion of the hoop 16. In some versions of the invention, each of thefirst portion 30 and the second portion 32 of the slider mechanism 24are able to slide around the hoop independently of the other portion,while also being able to slide around together as a single unit, asdesired. This is described more fully below.

In versions having a slider mechanism 24, the exercise device 10 mayalso have a first resistive band being connected to the first portion 30of the slider mechanism 24 at a first end of the first resistive band,while a second end of the first resistive band is connected to the spine14. The exercise device 10 may further have a second resistive band thatis connected to the second portion 32 of the slider mechanism 24 at afirst end of the second resistive band, while a second end of the secondresistive band is connected to the spine 14. Preferably, the firstresistive band and the second resistive band each comprise an elasticband. Sliding the first portion 30 or the second portion 32 createsadditional tension in the first resistive band or the second resistiveband, respectively. Preferably, each of the first portion 30 or thesecond portion 32 may be moved separately or in unison, as desired for aparticular exercise. Each of the first resistive band and the secondresistive band preferably resides inside of the hoop 16.

In versions having adjustable resistance (including of the firstresistive band and the second resistive band of the slider mechanism 24as well as the tensioning mechanism 26), the adjustment may be by way ofa dial or resistance selector 38 to increase and decrease the forceopposing the motion. The dial or resistance selector 38 may havegradations, numbers, letters, or other markings to indicate the relativelevel of resistance. In some versions, changing the dial or resistanceselector 38 from one resistance level to another is accompanied by aclick or another audible indicator to provide feedback to the user thatthe change was accomplished. Preferably, a first dial or resistanceselector 38 controls the first resistive band and the second resistiveband, while a second dial or resistance selector 38 controls thetensioning mechanism 26.

In some embodiments, the exercise device 10 may be foldable for storage.An example of such an embodiment is depicted in FIG. 7. In versionshaving one or more flexible rods 20, each flexible rod 20 may pivot,such as on a hinge, to permit neat folding for storage.

To use the exercise device 10, the person sits on the seat 12 in agenerally upright position and grasps the hoop 16, preferably with bothof the person's hands and more preferably with their left hand on thefirst portion 30 of the hoop 16 and their right hand on the secondportion 32 of the hoop 16. This defines a starting position, an exampleof which is depicted in FIG. 11B and FIG. 12A. The person mayfurthermore rest their feet on a portion of one of the legs 22, therebyimproving the stability of the exercise device 10 in relation to thefloor or support surface. Alternatively the person may rest their feetdirectly on the floor or support surface, particularly for embodimentslike the one depicted in FIGS. 17-19.

From the starting position, a person may perform an oblique twist by theperson twisting about their upper body to the right about their waistwhile maintaining their grasp on the hoop 16. The twist may also beperformed to the person's left side. During the twist, in some versionsof the invention the hoop 16 slides through the connector 18. Examplesof these twists are given by FIG. 9, FIGS. 11A-C, and FIGS. 12A-B. Insome embodiments, the connector 18 may provide resistance to theperson's motion. In some embodiments, flexion of the spine 14 mayprovide resistance to the person's motion. In versions of the inventionhaving a slider mechanism 24, rather than the hoop 16 sliding throughthe connector 18, the sliding motion is achieved via the slidermechanism 24 as described above.

From the starting position, a person may perform an abdominal crunch bythe person bending about the person's waist while pivoting the hoop 16about the horizontal axis of the connector 18. An example of this motionis shown in FIG. 10, and FIGS. 13-16.

From the starting position, a person may perform a radial abdominalcrunch by first pivoting the hoop 16 about the connector 18 such thatthe hoop 16 is oblique to the floor or support surface and the portionof a hoop 16 to the person's left is higher than a portion to theperson's right. The person then twists downward to the right about theperson's waist while maintaining the grasp on the hoop 16. An example ofthis motion is shown in FIG. 14. The motion may also be performed to theperson's left side, and an example of this is depicted in FIG. 15. Inversions of the invention having a slider mechanism 24, rather than thehoop 16 sliding through the connector 18, the sliding motion is achievedvia the slider mechanism 24 as described above.

A person may perform an infinity abdominal crunch by combining themotions for the abdominal crunch and the radial abdominal crunch, suchthat the person's hands trace a generally sideways figure-eight patternsimilar to the symbol for infinity (∞). An example of this is depictedin FIG. 16.

While the present invention has been described with regards toparticular embodiments, it is recognized that additional variations ofthe present invention may be devised without departing from theinventive concept.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

This invention may be industrially applied to the development,manufacture, and use of devices for aiding exercise of the abdominalmuscles of a user.

1. An exercise device for exercising the abdominal muscles of a humanuser, the exercise device comprising: (a) a seat, the seat having afront edge and a rear edge, and the seat having legs to support the seatabove a support surface; (b) a spine, the spine extending upward fromthe rear edge of the seat, the length of the spine being adjustable bytelescoping a first portion of the spine within a second portion of thespine; (c) a hoop, the hoop being connected to the spine and beinggenerally parallel to the support surface, the hoop having a diameter ofabout twenty-eight inches and having a generally circular cross-section;(d) a connector between the hoop and the spine, the connector comprisinga dual-axis joint, the dual-axis joint permitting the hoop to pivotabout a first axis through the connector that is tangential to the hoopand a second axis through the connector, the second axis beingorthogonal to the first axis and being generally vertical; (e) a pair offlexible rods, each flexible rod extending outward from the hoopproximate the connector at a first end of the flexible rod, eachflexible rod being attached to a tensioning mechanism via a resistancecable at a second end of the flexible rod, the tensioning mechanismproviding a tensile force in each resistance cable, each flexible rodproviding a force to oppose the pivoting of the hoop, the force beingadjustable between a low level of resistance and a high level ofresistance, the adjustment being by way of a resistance selector toincrease and decrease the force opposing the pivoting; (f) a slidermechanism on the hoop, the slider mechanism comprising a first portionand a second portion, the first portion and the second portion beingshaped and dimensioned to slide around at least a portion of the hoop,each of the first portion and the second portion being able to slidearound the hoop independently of the other portion and also being ableto slide around together as a single unit; (g) a first resistive bandhaving a first end and a second end, the first end being connected tothe first portion of the slider mechanism, and the second end beingconnected to the spine, the first resistive band residing within thehoop and providing resistance to sliding of the first portion around thehoop; and (h) a second resistive band having a first end and a secondend, the first end being connected to the second portion of the slidermechanism, and the second end being connected to the spine, the secondresistive band residing within the hoop and providing resistance tosliding of the second portion around the hoop.
 2. An exercise devicecomprising: (a) a seat, the seat having a front edge and a rear edge;(b) a spine, the spine extending upward from the rear edge of the seat;(c) a hoop, the hoop being connected to the spine and being generallyparallel to the support surface; and (d) a connector between the hoopand the spine at a circumferential portion of the hoop, the connectorpermitting the hoop to pivot relative to the spine.
 3. The exercisedevice of claim 2 further comprising at least one flexible rod, theflexible rod extending outward from the hoop at a first end of theflexible rod, the flexible rod being attached to a tensioning mechanismvia a resistance cable at a second end of the flexible rod, thetensioning mechanism providing a tensile force in the resistance cable,and the flexible rod providing a force to oppose the pivoting of thehoop.
 4. The exercise device of claim 2, the length of the spine beingadjustable.
 5. The exercise device of claim 2, the hoop having adiameter of between about twenty-four inches and thirty-four inches. 6.The exercise device of claim 2, the hoop having a diameter of abouttwenty-eight inches.
 7. The exercise device of claim 2, the hoop havinga generally circular cross-section.
 8. The exercise device of claim 2,the connector comprising a dual-axis joint permitting the hoop to pivotabout a first axis, the first axis being through the connector andgenerally tangential to the hoop, and a second axis through theconnector, the second axis being generally orthogonal to the first axis.9. The exercise device of claim 3, the at least one flexible rod being apair of flexible rods, each being attached to the tensioning mechanismvia a resistance cable.
 10. The exercise device of claim 3, the forceproduced by the flexible rod being adjustable between a low level ofresistance and a high level of resistance.
 11. The exercise device ofclaim 10, the adjustment being by way of a resistance selector toincrease and decrease the force opposing the pivoting.
 12. The exercisedevice of claim 2, the exercise device further comprising a slidermechanism on the hoop, the slider mechanism being shaped and dimensionedto slide around at least a portion of the hoop.
 13. The exercise deviceof claim 12, the exercise device further comprising a resistive bandhaving a first end and a second end, the first end being connected tothe slider mechanism, and the second end being connected to the spine,the resistive band providing resistance to sliding of the slidermechanism around the hoop.
 14. The exercise device of claim 12, theslider mechanism further comprising a first portion and a secondportion, each of the first portion and the second portion being able toslide around the hoop independently of the other portion and also beingable to slide around together as a single unit.
 15. The exercise deviceof claim 14, the exercise device further comprising a first resistiveband having a first end and a second end, the first end being connectedto the first portion of the slider mechanism, and the second end beingconnected to the spine, the first resistive band providing resistance tosliding of the first portion around the hoop.
 16. The exercise device ofclaim 15, the first resistive band residing within the hoop.
 17. Theexercise device of claim 15, the exercise device further comprising asecond resistive band having a first end and a second end, the first endbeing connected to the second portion of the slider mechanism, and thesecond end being connected to the spine, the second resistive bandresiding within the hoop and providing resistance to sliding of thesecond portion around the hoop.
 18. The exercise device of claim 17, thesecond resistive band residing within the hoop.
 19. A method ofexercising the core muscles of a person, the method comprising the stepsof: (a) providing an exercise device resting on a generally horizontalsurface, the exercise device having a seat, the seat having a front edgeand a rear edge; a spine, the spine extending upward from the rear edgeof the seat; a hoop, the hoop being connected to the spine and beinggenerally parallel to the support surface; a connector between the hoopand the spine at a circumferential portion of the hoop, the connectorpermitting the hoop to pivot relative to the spine; and at least oneflexible rod, the flexible rod extending outward from the hoop at afirst end of the flexible rod, the flexible rod being attached to atensioning mechanism via a resistance cable at a second end of theflexible rod, the tensioning mechanism providing a tensile force in theresistance cable, and the flexible rod providing a force to oppose thepivoting of the hoop. (b) the person sitting on the-seat, the hoopencircling the upper body of the person; and (c) the person grasping thehoop with both of the person's hands.
 20. The method of claim 19, thestep of grasping the hoop further comprising the steps of grasping thehoop with the person's left hand on a first portion of the hoop andgrasping the hoop with the person's right hand on the second portion ofthe hoop, the first portion and the second portion each being able toslide around the hoop independently of the other portion and also beingable to slide around together as a single unit.
 21. The method of claim19, further comprising the step of performing an oblique twist by theperson laterally twisting their upper body about their waist whilemaintaining their grasp on the hoop.
 22. The method of claim 19, furthercomprising the step of performing an abdominal crunch by the personbending forward about the person's waist while pivoting the hoop about agenerally horizontal axis through the connector.
 23. The method of claim19, further comprising the step of performing a radial abdominal crunchto the person's right by: (a) pivoting the hoop about the connector suchthat the hoop is oblique to the horizontal and a portion of the hoop tothe person's left is higher than a portion of the hoop to the person'sright; and (b) the person twisting down and to the right about theperson's waist while maintaining the grasp on the hoop, the person'shands passing from the person's upper left side to the person's lowerright side.
 24. The method of claim 19, further comprising the step ofperforming a radial abdominal crunch to the person's left by: (a)pivoting the hoop about the connector such that the hoop is oblique tothe horizontal and a portion of the hoop to the person's right is higherthan a portion of the hoop to the person's left; and (b) the persontwisting down and to the left about the person's waist while maintainingthe grasp on the hoop, the person's hands passing from the person'supper right side to the person's lower left side.
 25. The method ofclaim 19, further comprising the step of performing an infinityabdominal crunch by: (a) pivoting the hoop about the connector such thatthe hoop is oblique to the horizontal and a portion of the hoop to theperson's left is higher than a portion of the hoop to the person'sright; (b) the person twisting down and to the right about the person'swaist while maintaining the grasp on the hoop, the person's handspassing from the person's upper left side to the person's lower rightside; (c) the person unbending from the person's waist while pivotingthe hoop about a horizontal axis through the connector such that theperson is in a generally upright position; (d) pivoting the hoop aboutthe connector such that the hoop is oblique to the horizontal and aportion of the hoop to the person's right is higher than a portion ofthe hoop to the person's left; (e) the person twisting down and to theleft about the person's waist while maintaining the grasp on the hoop,the person's hands passing from the person's upper right side to theperson's lower left side; and (f) the person unbending from the person'swaist while pivoting the 0 hoop about a horizontal axis through theconnector such that the person is in a generally upright position.whereby the person's hands trace a generally sideways figure-eightpattern.